Business Development Associate
About TMS
Top Marine Service (TMS) Agency established in 2006 and built upon its core values of reliability and integrity to deliver marine, shipping, and support services to upstream and downstream companies across the West African (WAF) region.
With over 19 years of West African operation experience, TMS has developed a deep understanding of the local landscape. This expertise is supported by strong infrastructure and strategic connections, giving us a competitive advantage. TMS has made significant investments in resources, equipment, and warehousing capacity to meet vessel owners’ and managers’ growing demands for spares and consumables.
TMS is committed to providing prompt, cost-effective services while upholding international standards and fostering local regeneration and employment.
Role Overview
The Business Development Executive, based in Athens, will lead commercial growth by developing and expanding relationships with Greek shipowners whose fleets operate in West Africa. This role serves as the primary commercial link between our organisation and the Greek shipping community, with a clear mandate to secure new agency service contracts for vessels calling at or operating offshore in our key hubs of Lomé (Togo) and Lagos (Nigeria).
Requirements
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Greek shipowners, operators, and technical/commercial managers with vessels trading in West Africa.
- Promote the company’s full suite of West African agency services, including offshore support, husbandry, crew changes, logistics coordination, and port/terminal liaison.
- Understand client operational requirements and align them with our capabilities in Lomé and Lagos.
- Develop and manage a healthy pipeline of prospects, converting opportunities into contracted business.
- Represent the company at meetings, industry events, and conferences within Athens and the wider Greek maritime market.
- Provide ongoing market intelligence on Greek shipping trends, fleet deployment, and competitive activity.
- Collaborate closely with our West African operations teams to ensure seamless service delivery and high client satisfaction.
- Prepare commercial proposals, negotiate terms, and support contract finalisation.
- Deliver regular reporting on sales activity, forecasts, and performance against targets.
Required Experience & Skills
- Proven experience in maritime business development, chartering, ship agency, or related commercial roles.
- A strong existing network within the Greek shipping community is highly advantageous.
- Solid understanding of tanker, bulker, or offshore vessel operations, particularly in West Africa.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage a sales pipeline, and deliver measurable results.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and cultural awareness.
- Fluency in English and Greek.